Welcome to Springside!

Serenely set in an urban neighborhood, Springside is a 20-acre historic designed landscape and historic site that was once the country estate of Matthew Vassar, the Poughkeepsie brewer, philanthropist, and founder of Vassar College. Springside is the only landscape of Andrew Jackson Downing, one of the founders of landscape architecture in America, to survive largely intact. Today, the National Historic Landmark is a historic site on the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail. Visitors enjoy walking Springide's carriage trails year-round.

News and Announcements

SAVE SCRAGGY KNOLL

What is certain is that A.J. Downing and Matthew Vassar combined nature and art in happy harmony at Springside. Curving pathways directed the eye to scenic views, often perfectly framing natural or man-made objects. Features such as rugged rock outcroppings flanked by tall rough evergreens embodied the “picturesque,” while those like the swan in the Jet Vale fountain provided the “beautiful” elements.
Scraggy Knoll is a significant element of Springside's design, and now that the two acre parcel is for sale for the first time, it is imperative that we buy it. We are so close, but we need to raise the remaining $15,000 before the end of March.
Please help us with a financial gift
.... or, if you prefer, by sending a check today to:Springside, P.O. Box 4915, Poughkeepsie NY 12602.

RAIN OR SHINE

Visit

Enjoy the grounds any time from dawn to dusk. Use your smartphone or pick up a brochure at the kiosk for a self-guided walking tour. Walk the trails and enjoy the serenity of this green oasis.

Events

See our listing of upcoming events and don't forget to Join us each May for our Springside Annual Plant Sale and Open Day. Springside Plant Sale features heirloom vegetable starts, culinary herbs, native and deer resistant perennials for sun and shade, and colorful hanging baskets just in time for Mother’s Day!

Learn

In the first half of the 1800s, the site known today as Springside was part of the Allen family farm at the edge of the Poughkeepsie city boundary. In 1850, Matthew Vassar purchased the property and hired Andrew Jackson Downing to design his country estate.

Make A Gift

With generous support from people like you, we can continue to restore and protect this unique national and local treasure.